13 Weird Signs You Aren't Getting Enough Protein In Your Diet

Protein is essential to the human body. It is the building block of your bones, muscles, skin, and blood. You need protein in your diet in order for your body to repair cells and produce new ones. If you are eating a lot of carbs, you might be noticing some weird signs that you aren't getting enough protein in your diet.

According to Axe, the average person needs about half their body weight in grams of protein a day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you need to eat at least 75 grams of protein a day. Eggs, lean meat, fish, nuts, dairy, and protein-rich vegetables are good sources of protein.

Here are some weird signs that you aren't getting enough protein in your diet.

1You Have High Cholesterol

You have probably heard that fatty foods will raise your cholesterol. But, what you probably don't know is that high cholesterol is also a result of the inflammation and hormonal imbalances that come from diets high in carb-heavy and processed foods. Axe warned that if you are replacing protein-rich foods with sugary snacks and refined carbs, your cholesterol level can start to rise.

3You're Feeling Moody

Amino acids are also the building blocks for neurotransmitters which control your mood, according to Axe. Proteins help your brain synthesize dopamine and serotonin, and without them you can find yourself feeling anxious or moody.

5You Have Trouble Sleeping

If you have insomnia, it could be caused by unstable blood sugar levels, noted Axe. People who have trouble sleeping should consider eating protein-rich foods before bed to help with tryptophan and serotonin production.

6You're Getting Sick A Lot

According to a study in the journal Progress of Food and Nutrition Science,protein deficiency can negatively affect T cells, which play an important roll in your immunity. Not eating enough proteins can cause you to be more susceptible to illness.

7You Have "Brain Fog"

Axe noted that dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are synthesized in the brain using proteins. These neurotransmitters help with brain function, including concentration, motivation and learning new information.

8You Have Foot Swelling

Edema is swelling of both legs from a buildup of extra fluid. According to Harvard Health Publications, low protein levels in the blood can cause edema. This is because proteins help hold salt and water inside the blood vessels and keep them from leaking out into the tissues.

9Your Periods Are Become Irregular

Courtesy of Yvette Manes

Axe suggested that low-protein, high-sugar, and high-carb diets can cause inflammation and weight gain that may disrupt the delicate balance of hormones needed to keep your menstrual cycle regular.

11Your Skin Is Itchy, Patchy, Or Flakey

Registered dietitian Jessica Bihuniak told Reader's Digest that protein deficiency can sometimes result in a flaky dermatitis, or irritation of the skin, especially on the back of the thighs and on the buttocks.

13You Have Digestive Issues

If you are feeling gassy, but can't go to the bathroom, it may be a sign of protein-deficiency. Axe warned that with a low-protein diet your body's enzyme production, the muscle contractions in your GI tract, and digestion in general will suffer.